Less than 24 hours after his historic election, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass on Friday in the Sistine Chapel, warning of the dangers of a world drifting from faith and expressing hope that the Catholic Church could serve as a guiding light in “dark nights.”
The newly elected pontiff—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost—is the first American pope and the 267th successor to St. Peter. Calm and composed, he delivered the Mass in the chapel where the conclave of cardinals had chosen him the previous evening.
Wearing simple white and gold vestments, Leo opened his homily with a few words in English before continuing in fluent Italian. Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old spent two decades as a missionary in Peru and holds dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship.
In his sermon, Pope Leo outlined his vision for the Church, pledging to act as a “faithful administrator” for Catholics around the world.
He acknowledged that in many societies, faith is often dismissed as “absurd” or relegated to the “weak and unintelligent,” but warned that the erosion of belief often coincides with a broader loss of meaning in life.
“A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society,” he said.
Formal Inauguration Scheduled for May 18
The Vatican confirmed that the official inauguration Mass for Pope Leo will be held on Sunday, May 18, in St. Peter’s Square.
World leaders and religious figures are expected to attend the ceremony, which marks the formal beginning of a new papacy. When Pope Francis was inaugurated in 2013, the event drew an estimated 200,000 people.
For now, Leo will retain all senior Vatican officials in their current roles, the Vatican said. As is customary, the new pope is expected to review those appointments over time and make changes where necessary.
The two-day conclave concluded on Thursday evening, with white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel to signal the election of a new pope. Given the strict confidentiality of the process, few details are expected to emerge about how Leo secured the required two-thirds majority vote.
Pope Leo assumes the papacy following the death of Pope Francis last month at the age of 88. He inherits a Church grappling with a range of pressing issues, including budget shortfalls, internal divisions over LGBTQ+ inclusion, the role of women, and how to better support divorced Catholics.
His early papacy also coincides with a Holy Year, an event expected to draw millions of pilgrims and tourists to Rome.
A Historic First for the U.S.
Before the conclave, American cardinals were seen as unlikely contenders due to long-standing assumptions that the global Church would not be led by a pope from a world superpower. Leo’s election challenges that narrative.
Despite his U.S. roots, Leo’s extensive experience in Latin America has earned him credibility across different regions of the Catholic world. From 2015 to 2023, he served as Bishop of Chiclayo in northwestern Peru.
Celebrations erupted in the city after his election, with church bells ringing and crowds filling the streets.
U.S. President Donald Trump was quick to offer his congratulations, although Leo has previously criticized Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s policies, according to past social media posts.
The choice of papal name may offer insight into Leo’s priorities. The last pope to bear the name—Leo XIII—served from 1878 to 1903 and was known for championing social justice causes.
Created a cardinal just last year, Leo is known for his reserved manner and limited media presence. Pope Francis appointed him in 2023 to lead the Vatican department responsible for selecting bishops—placing him at the heart of shaping the Church’s future leadership.
With his election, Pope Leo XIV steps into a role of immense influence at a pivotal time for the Catholic Church, promising to lead with humility, compassion, and a steady hand.
